~~~~~~

Gah. How can I handle both Heechul and Sungmin? I still can’t figure out Sungmin’s behaviour... As for Heechul, whatever. Gosh, I think I’m gonna have a migraine.

As Ayu went inside their house, she was met with a shocking sight. Her brother, Storm, was making out with Stacy, his classmate and current girlfriend. Stacy was skinny and tan. But her hair looks horrible, like a thousand bleach chemicals have been dumped onto it. But overall, she was a nice person.

Ayu cleared .

No response.

Ayu cleared again, louder this time.

They suddenly broke apart, with Storm smiling sheepishly and Stacy blushing.

Storm cleared his throat.

“So, so, u-um, Ayu, what is it? Is there something you need? Mom and dad went to Canada for a week.”

Ayu looked at her brother.

“Yeah, dad called. Yeah, actually, I’m asking for your permission. To go somewhere... with a friend.”

Storm’s happy expression suddenly turned sour. He looked at Ayu suspiciously. Fortunately, Stacy seemed to sense the atmosphere and chose to stay quiet.

“Somewhere? Where? And which friend are you talking about? Be more specific, Ayu.”

Ayu bit her lower lip as Storm crossed his arms. How is she going to explain going out to dinner with Sungmin? He texted earlier, stating that they at least eat out once in a while... as friends. She considered it. It has been too long since she ate out in a fancy restaurant. The only problem is... Storm doesn’t really like Sungmin. According to him, which, from Ayu’s perspective, is just plain ridiculous! He said that Sungmin only plans to have Ayu to himself.

Yeah. Storm can be pretty overprotective most of the time. I guess he got it from dad. But I am capable of taking care of myself. I’m not a kid anymore.

“Just downtown, to a restaurant. It-It’s... with S-Sungmin, Storm.” Ayu stuttered out as she looked down at her feet.

Ayu flinched as Storm exploded.

“What?! Sungmin?! As in Lee Sungmin?! That punk who tried to... No. I am not allowing you to go, Ayu. I forbid you from seeing him. If you’re hungry, then we’ll go out instead. Just don’t go with that guy. I don’t trust him.”

Ayu tried reasoning with her brother. It’s not that she doesn’t want to eat with Storm, but, he just can’t keep treating her like this. Like an infant, small and fragile. Besides, Sungmin already apologized about... it.

“Please, Storm. I’ll only do this once. Once! Besides, Sungmin isn’t a ba-“

“I don’t care, Ayu! I am not allowing you! Now call him right now and cancel. Tell him that I am forbidding you from seeing him.”

Ayu bowed her head in defeat. She didn’t want to disappoint and disobey her brother. He already did so much for her.

I’m sorry, Sungmin. I’m really, really sorry.

~~~~~~